MSU Extension 4-H Scholarships & Recognition Program

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program recognized outstanding 4-H members following the opening session of 4-H Exploration Days on June 19. Hosted by Michigan State University Extension, the celebration took place at the Munn Ice Arena on the campus of MSU.

A Michigan 4-H State Award is the highest honor bestowed on Michigan 4-H members and recognizes excellence in learning, leadership and service. In total, 35 4-H members from 21 counties submitted applications for this year’s program.

“We are proud of all 4-H’ers across our state but our Michigan 4-H State Award winners have demonstrated a commendable commitment to improving their clubs, communities and personal selves through 4-H, service and more,” said Jodi Schulz, state 4-H leader for Michigan and co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “We congratulate them for this distinguished honor and their many accomplishments.”

Michigan 4-H State Awards were presented in 15 of the 21 available award categories that showcase the diverse array of 4-H knowledge, skills and experience. Recipients of the 2024 awards are:

• Achievement: Amanda Towne of Van Buren County
• Beef Science: Adrianne Balchik of Gogebic County (junior division)
• Birds & Poultry Science: Ezri Westrate of Allegan County (junior division) and Emily Seifert of Oakland County (senior division)
• Civic Engagement and Service: Elliana Specht of Saginaw County (junior division)
• Companion Animal Science: John Jinks of Monroe County (junior division) and Bryant Janetzke of Kent County (senior division)
• Environmental Science: Amelia Long of Washtenaw County (junior division) and Gianna Coppola of Livingston County (senior division)
• Goat Science: Lillian Wasson of Oceana County (junior division) and Makayla Dopkowski of Cass County (senior division)
• Leadership: Daisy Branham of Monroe County (junior division) and William Rogers of Washtenaw County (senior division)
• Rabbit and Cavy Science: Morgen Schmidt of Monroe County (junior division) and Caitlyn Janicek of Shiawassee County (senior division)
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Brandon Fisher of Monroe County (senior division)
• Sheep Science: Clara Heath of Hillsdale County (senior division)
• Shooting Sports: Taliesan Cox of Luce County (senior division)
• Swine Science: Katelyn Trattles of St. Joseph County (junior division)
• Visual, Performing and Expressive Arts: Vincent Coppola of Livingston County (junior division)

The Michigan 4-H State Awards Program is open to 4-H members who are 13 to 19 years old with three or more years of 4-H experience. To qualify for the award, 4-H’ers must submit a written application that showcases the learning experiences, knowledge and skills they’ve acquired through their participation in 4-H, as well as their contributions to their local 4-H programs, clubs and communities. Submissions are reviewed by the Michigan 4-H State Awards selection committee. This group of volunteers, staff members and industry experts determine which members are selected as award finalists. All applicants receive written feedback from selection committees.

Finalist in the senior (ages 16 to 19), achievement (18-19), and group categories then complete an interview using video conference technology. Completing a video interview provides an opportunity for 4-H members to practice real-world workforce skills.

“Not only is the 4-H State Awards program a great honor for the youth who win awards, but the program as a whole helps each applicant to develop important skills for the future,” said Lisa Bottomley, co-director of MSU Extension’s children and youth programs. “Whether they end up applying to college or a job, the process gives youth an opportunity to complete an application and practice an interview – things they’ll have to do for many years in the future. The entire process takes a lot of time and effort and we congratulate both those who won and our 4-H State Award finalists, as well.”

In addition to a plaque, each 4-H State Award winner in the senior division received a $300 cash award, junior winners received $100 cash awards, and the achievement award winner received $500. These awards are made possible by generous donations to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.

To learn more about Michigan 4-H Youth Development, contact your local Michigan State University Extension office or visit the Michigan 4-H website.